Has it ever happened to you that you were about to go on a vacation to a cold destination and began to scour through your wardrobe, only to find that your favorite cashmere pieces were blown to smithereens? It has happened to me, and it is such a painful feeling!
Cashmere is known for its unparalleled softness and luxurious feel, and it is such a cherished material that it is used in many wardrobes for various purposes. Let me tell you that it originates from the fine undercoat of goats and is a material that has three times more of an insulation capacity than wool, incredible right? Its delicate fabric maintains beauty and longevity for a long time. Proper handling is imperative to ensure that your cashmere remains as good as new.
Wearing cashmere clothes gives rise to a very satisfying delightful feeling, however, the maintenance of this beautiful fabric is not as easy. There is a plethora of information available out there on how to take care of cashmere, however not all of the information is entirely correct. This results in a lot of confusion and misinterpretation of the information available.
So before you invest in another gorgeous cashmere article, you must get a thorough understanding of the entire aftercare process. Read along to find out all that you need to know about how to care for cashmere.
How To Wash Cashmere- Preserving Exceptional Softness

If you wash cashmere incorrectly, it shrinks and stretches too much, and its softness goes away. So, it is very important to understand how to care for cashmere and the best ways to do it so you can preserve your cashmere for a longer time. I have compiled and shared some tips and tricks ahead so that it does not get damaged and you can use it for a longer time.
Step-by-step Handwashing A Cashmere Sweater
Most cashmere items are used in sweaters, and sweaters need a lot of extra care to keep their shape and softness intact. below are some steps you can adhere to in order to wash them:
According to Martha Stewert, an American business professional, cold water (not ice cold) is ideal for washing cashmere. For this, you have to keep cold water in a basin so that it is protected from shrinkage.
- You have to wash cashmere using a gentle detergent like The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo or Eucalan so that your sweater does not get damaged much.
- After this, you should wash it gently and leave it for a while until it gets wet properly.
- After draining the soapy water, you have to put fresh cold water in it so that no soap remains.
- Now, you have to remove the excess water and gently press your sweater between towels to remove water.
- Pro Tip: Use a fabric shaver like the Gleener to remove the fuzz without damaging the fibers.
These steps are undoubtedly going to work, just like they did for Jamie:
“I followed these steps, and my 5-year-old sweater looks as good as new!” – Jamie, NYC.
By following these steps, you can easily solve the problem of how to handwash a cashmere sweater too, just like Jamie. Fascinating, right?
Cleaning A Cashmere Sweater To Keep The Luxurious Feel Intact
If there is a very small stain on your sweater, you can use a cleaning cloth to gently rub the stains. That is the most suitable option. For this, you have to use cold water and a small amount of detergent so that it doesn’t spread all over the sweater.
You have to apply the detergent with a soft cloth on the stained area. You should not rub it at all because rubbing can damage the delicate fibers. Learning how to care for cashmere also includes knowing when to wash it and when to just freshen it up before wearing it again. To freshen it up, you can just clean the stains with a light hand.
How to Wash A Cashmere Scarf- The Warmest Accessory

To wash cashmere, you do not need professional dry cleaning at all. You can easily wash your cashmere at home. The only thing to remember is that the water should be cold and the detergent must be extremely mild. Also, don’t rush towards getting the cashmere cleaned because it requires its own sweet drying time.
You have to dip the scarf in the water once gently and then slowly press it using a towel so that all the excess water comes out. To keep it in its original shape, you have to lay it flat in open air and protect it from sunlight.
Some expert tips include-
- Use cedar balls in place of mothballs to protect the cashmere from pests without having any chemical smell left behind.
- Give Cashmere a break. Let it rest for 24 hours between usage to ensure that its shape remains intact.
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How to Wash Cashmere Hair Extensions To Level Up The Style Game

Learning how to wash cashmere hair extensions is also equally important. Cashmere hair extensions are known for their silky soft feel, you must use a comb for this. You have to gently comb your extensions before washing them so that they are not intertwined.
- You have to use a sulfate-free shampoo that will keep the fibers soft and smooth.
- You have to avoid rubbing or scrubbing; just dip it first and then rinse it.
- After this, you have to place these extensions on a towel and let them dry naturally.
This will keep your hair extensions as good as new, and there will be no unwanted damage.
How to Take Care of Cashmere- The Hygroscopic Marvel

Apart from washing, there are many processes involved in how you care for cashmere, and they come under the category of correct storage and maintenance. Taking care of Cashmere is the same as taking care of a cardboard box full of glass pieces- you must handle it with fragility.
- For this, you have to avoid hanging your sweaters. Hanging causes stretching. Instead, you have to fold your cashmere sweaters and keep them in a well-ventilated bag.
- By using a cashmere comb, you can prevent small fuzz balls from occurring.
- You do not need to wash cashmere sweaters frequently. You can just keep them in the open air, for them to start giving a fresh look.
How to Look After Cashmere To Retain Its Lightness
During the summers, you can opt for vacuum-sealed bags to store cashmere. And while traveling, you can use sturdy fabric pouches to avoid any damage to the fabric.
You should never stretch cashmere products when it is wet, and washing cashmere should be done with precision. If you are willing to put in a little extra effort, then your cashmere will remain brand new for a longer time.
However, there are some warnings to consider:
- Never hang wet cashmere as it will stretch and lose its shape.
- Skip fabric softeners as they might seem of help but they coat the fibers and make them feel rough over time.
The Best Way Out
Understanding how to care for cashmere can help you use your cashmere sweaters for a longer time. This will keep your clothes in top condition. The process, from washing to drying, is very crucial, and each step has its own importance.
If you want to preserve its beauty and softness for a longer time, you can follow these simple care tips expect wonderful results!
Expert Tips Include
- Use cedar balls instead of mothballs to protect cashmere from pests without leaving a chemical smell.
- Give Cashmere a break. Let it rest for 24 hours between wears to keep its shape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you maintain cashmere?
Ans. You can easily wash your cashmere at home. For this, you have to use cold water and mild detergent, and you should avoid washing it roughly by hand, or it can get damaged.
Can 100% cashmere be washed?
Ans. Yes, you can wash 100% cashmere easily but a huge amount of patience will be required as the process will be a bit longer.
What should you not do with cashmere?
Ans. One thing everyone must remember is that you do not need to wash cashmere sweaters frequently. Even if you keep them in the open air, they start giving a fresh look.
What damages cashmere?
Using a tumble dryer to dry cashmere will damage cashmere.
How to dry cashmere to preserve it for longer?
Always air-dry cashmere to preserve it for longer.